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Biotransformation of tryptamine derivatives in mycelial cultures of Psilocybe

Jochen Gartz

Journal of Basic Microbiology 1989 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.3620290608 (opens in new tab)

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AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Experimental study Peer reviewed
Population Mycelial cultures and fruiting bodies of Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe semilanceata
Topics Psilocybin
Keywords Tryptamine Biotransformation Mycelium Hydroxylation Stereochemistry Biochemistry
Citations 22
Key findings Psilocybe cubensis mycelial cultures can biotransform added synthetic N,N-diethyltryptamine into 4-hydroxy-N,N-diethyltryptamine and 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-diethyltryptamine, demonstrating the first directed biosynthesis of tryptamine substances by fungi.

Abstract

Abstract Mycelial cultures of Psilocybe cubensis capable of forming psilocybin and psilocin de novo display a high capacity for hydroxylation of tryptamine derivatives at the 4‐position. A specific biotransformation of added synthetic N,N‐diethyl‐tryptamine was found. Thus high amounts of 4‐hydroxy‐N,N‐diethyltryptamine (up to 3.3%) and a minor quantity of 4‐phosphoryloxy‐N,N‐diethyltryptamine (0.01–0.8%) were isolated from fruiting bodies of Psilocybe cubensis in corresponding experiments. This is the first example of a directed biosynthesis of tryptamine substances by fungi. An effective biotransformation of N‐methyltryptamine was also demonstrated with surface cultures of Psilocybe semilanceata. Baeocystin, a possible natural precursor of psilocybin, was detected and quantified in the biomasses. No alkaloids could be found in the culture medium.

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Enzymatic Synthesis of Psilocybin 2017 Laboratory study

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